Category: Mark

Mark 1:1-8 – The Greater One

Read Mark 1:1-8

How seamlessly Zechariah’s prophecy in our last reading flows into seeing John the Baptist’s purpose up close and personal. The Gospel of Mark doesn’t waste any time in recording Jesus’ ministry becoming known. Mark skips past the Christmas story and jumps to Jesus’ grand appearance in the world he created. (Yes, Jesus was extremely active during creation – but that’s a totally different reflection.)

John the Baptist had been born to be that voice “shouting in the wilderness” about the coming Messiah, King Jesus. What a magnificent honor John had. I think that all of those early followers must have been a bit starry-eyed at being around Jesus once they discovered his identity as the Messiah. John did call him the “greater” one. Continue reading “Mark 1:1-8 – The Greater One”

Mark 13:24-37 – Be Watching!

Read Mark 13:24-37

What a passage to reflect on for Advent! We hear from Jesus directly about what his second coming will be like. How helpful it is to know what we are preparing for. Advent reminds us that our job is to be ready, stay alert, and keep watch.

Jesus shares some details so that we’ll be able to recognize them. Otherwise, we might miss some of the signals. Just like when we see trees blooming or grass sprouting up from the ground. We know what those signals mean and can respond accordingly. I’m especially thankful to live in Mexico, where all the flowers and fruits bloom year-round. Continue reading “Mark 13:24-37 – Be Watching!”

Mark 16:1-20 – He is Risen!

Read Mark 16:1-20

Sometimes shorter is better, and other times we are thankful for a longer version of a story to tie up the loose ends. In either case, the book of Mark has a unique ending that can leave us pondering. Perhaps the earliest followers wanted more from Mark, and so they improvised with an alternate ending to give more details that line up with other texts. If it’s part of the Holy Scriptures at all, I trust it to be there by God’s hand, even if the change in style seems obvious.

Even the short ending gives us the only message we need. The angel told the women, “He is risen from the dead!” Imagine hearing those words when you were expecting to be preparing Jesus’ dead body for proper burial. There hadn’t been time on the day of his crucifixion, but apparently it was no longer necessary. Continue reading “Mark 16:1-20 – He is Risen!”

Mark 15:21-47 – Jesus’ Final Hours

Read Mark 15:21-47

It seems almost surreal to be reading about Jesus’ final hours when Christmas lights are already twinkling in houses around the neighborhood. However, it never goes out of style to remember and celebrate God’s love and how it was displayed as Jesus was nailed to the cross, died, and was buried.

Mark’s account of these events focuses on some interesting elements involving some unlikely characters. We see Simon, a passerby, a Roman guard, and Joseph, a member of the high council. Each had a profound role to play in Jesus’ final hours. Let’s unpack what we can learn from them. Continue reading “Mark 15:21-47 – Jesus’ Final Hours”

Mark 15:1-20 – Death Sentence

Read Mark 15:1-20

The religious leaders didn’t have the final word. They had to take Jesus before the ruling authorities to see if their death sentence for religious matters would be acted upon. Pilate was the governor at that time, and he was no dummy. He saw through to the religious leaders’ motives.

What surprised you most as you read through this passage? Whether or not it was your first time reading it or your hundredth, something sparked your attention or seemed a bit shocking. Take time to reread if you need to. Continue reading “Mark 15:1-20 – Death Sentence”

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